Futurespective: The AI-Generated Sneaker Exhibition

Standby as Sneaker Freaker prepares to light up your neural network like Starlink in the night sky as we bring you a googol of digital artistes creating mainframe-melting AI-generated artwork. Armed with all the latest tech direct from Silicon Valley, these cyberspace curators are relentlessly hacking the traditions of sneaker design. Press to launch head first into the hype machine.

Benny Benichou

'These images were created using generative AI algorithms, which take inputs and generate new, unique images based on the data. The results can be quite random, but they also depend on the input and the AI model's training.

By providing the AI with specific guidelines and examples, we can somewhat control the output, while still leaving room for creative and unexpected results. There's always an element of surprise and randomness, which makes the process exciting and allows for creative exploration.

The number of iterations required to find a creatively satisfying result varies. Sometimes, the AI produces a great design in just a few attempts, while other times, it may take dozens or even hundreds of iterations to fine-tune the output. The key is to be patient and persistent in working with the AI to guide it towards the desired outcome.

As AI continues to influence the creative process, manufacturing will need to adapt and innovate to keep up with the increasingly complex and unique designs. Advancements in technologies like 3D printing, robotic automation and on-demand manufacturing will play a crucial role in making these fantastical creations a reality.

The potential for AI to revolutionise the creative process is immense, and we're just at the beginning of this exciting journey. AI will enable creatives to push the boundaries of their imagination, automate repetitive tasks, and explore new aesthetics and forms. In the future, we can expect to see a more collaborative relationship between humans and AI, where each party brings their unique strengths to the table.’

STR4NGE THING

'I prefer the term artist/designer to describe my job – which is very controversial in the traditional art world, as many believe it is all the AI’s doing. But so was being labelled an artist as a photographer when cameras were developed (with just a click of a button).

I have seen trends come and go. Because of the pandemic, trends really leaned towards nostalgia. People wanted to feel comfort after living through such a crazy and sad point in human history. So we’re seeing a lot of designers channel 1980s and 1990s aesthetics, like baggy garms in fashion.

I saw the Renaissance revival being the next big trend. We’ve already seen this through music videos like Bandokay’s ‘Memories’ and album covers like Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. So, why not marry what is already known to those who admire the arts of the long Renaissance period to include imagery and tech we see today?

AI is going to play a huge role in the future of sneakers. We all take ideas from each other. But now, by giving AI a loose creative freedom, we can take inspiration from ideas that were once unimaginable.'

Sean Sullivan

'I'm an artist and creative director working in experiential design and have had my eye on AI since the first images from Google's DeepMind popped up on the internet. It was mind-blowing to see a computer produce images that possessed many similar qualities to how our own minds perceive and decode images. I started producing my own images with Midjourney in June of 2022. Early Midjourney was fun and produced some intriguing images, but when the V4 algorithm came out and started producing much more realistic images, it changed the AI game forever. I was truly hooked from then on.

My inspiration largely comes from my life experiences and interests, such as fashion and contemporary art and design. I also love 90s sci-fi movies, which tend to make their way into the look of the images. The AI art community is a constant source of inspiration. For sneaker designs, I tend to use clean product images of the model such as the Air Force 1 or Air Max 90 to help train the AI towards a more realistic outcome. Then I’ll mix in other non-sneaker images to pull various textures and features from. This can produce some really cool, unexpected results.

I believe that the emergence of AI tools is one of the greatest inventions of our lifetime, and we are living in a creative renaissance that is only just beginning. As art becomes easier to produce, the method and production starts to become less important than the ideas and concepts themselves, which will push us to dive deeper into our imaginations and put us face to face with the fabric of our own humanity. The limits of imagination are expanding beyond what has ever been possible before, and it is our job as artists and creatives to push forward and constantly explore and redefine those limits.'

Jacob Alexander

'A lot of what I do is storytelling through sneaker design. I’ve found that one of the greatest benefits of incorporating AI into my process has been its ability to improve my storytelling capabilities. I try to have fun and create a set of images that could be a storyboard for a TV show or a movie. I want to give a wider context for the time period, location and the functional requirements of why the footwear must look the way it does.

I’m very inspired by retrofuturism and the sci-fi genre in general. I’ve chosen to focus on the year 3023 to explore the future of the sneaker industry and what that looks like for brands like PUMA and the industry as a whole. I started with a day in the office 1000 years in the future, and a whole universe has grown from this idea. It’s been fun to explore and it has created a lot of interesting hypothetical scenarios for different types of sneakers and design languages.

In footwear design, the general rule is that form follows function. Think about the kinds of terrain people travelling in space might have to endure. The reasons for why a certain design might need to exist start to expand beyond the needs of living on Earth. Right now, we have running sneakers and court sneakers – but what kind of footwear do we need to wear as an interplanetary species?

It’s important to note that I believe AI should not replace many/all of the human creation processes and emotional thinking that goes into sneaker design. It is vital that we always have a human connection to product and storytelling. However, when used as a tool to support the storytelling of your concept to a wider audience, I believe it unlocks the exponential potential of the human imagination.’

Field Skjellerup

'My creative process generally starts with a singular idea or concept around a particular set of fabrics and products. Given the extreme and far-reaching possibilities generative AI tools can produce, I like to create things that would either be very hard or impossible to manifest as a physical product. From there, it becomes a call and response between me and the AI, as although I can dictate what will be outputted to some capacity, I truly never know exactly how the image will take shape. In this way, I see the process of generating imagery with AI as a collaborative engagement, where I slowly tweak parameters until I reach a set of generative images I feel are worthy of sharing.

Generating sneaker designs and reworking classic Nike silhouettes is something I've been playing around with for a while now. As someone who grew up reading Sneaker Freaker and constantly checking eBay listings, I’ve always had a solid interest in the culture that surrounds sneakers. For the Nike designs, I really wanted to combine a classic model with new materials that are only possible through the use of AI tools.

I based my original designs on the pink and black Comme Des Garçons x Air Max 180. I’m pretty sure I used the prompt ‘Designed by Comme Des Garçons’ when generating it, actually. As the response to those designs grew, I produced several variations with different colourways and a focus on various hypothetical materials.

It’s been interesting seeing how people have responded to the images. They have now been dubbed by many people as the ‘Wedding Nikes’ and I still get emails daily from people wanting to wear them while they walk down the aisle. Looking back now, I just wanted to produce something that felt classic and looked beautiful.'

Alun Tung

'I am a Taiwanese product designer currently working at a global consultancy. I have been collecting sneakers since I was 15. Recently, I have been actively incorporating AI tools into my design process to enhance and explore inspirations. Some outcomes are interesting, prompting me to share them via my IG account.

A friend of mine, who works at a sports brand as a footwear designer, told me they were already utilising AI tools to explore design inspirations within the company. Encouraged by his recommendation, I decided to give it a try. Coincidentally, during that period, I was also working on an essay for my company researching the potential impact of AI on the design industry. Thus, I began stepping into AI worlds and quickly realised that I couldn't stop myself from delving further into its capabilities.

We are currently in a period of chaos and uncertainty regarding AI. Many people are unprepared to face the significant impact it may have, and some are just beginning to realise that AI technology could potentially replace their jobs in the near future. Moreover, the laws and regulations necessary to address these concerns and provide adequate protection are not yet fully developed. As a result, these factors contribute to a wide range of controversies surrounding AI.

However, I view AI as a tool, and any tool can have both positive and negative manifestations, depending on how people use it. Therefore, it is crucial to educate both the creators and receiver of AI technology simultaneously, and expedite the development of comprehensive laws and regulations. Once we are prepared and people have acquired proficiency in utilising AI tools, we can then begin to use the full potential of AI and expand our capabilities. As a product designer, I think AI tools have had a significant impact on product design in various ways.’

Mark Von Rama

'My work has always led me to question semiotics, fashion and consumer psychology. My father raised me in a colourful world and my mother was a clothing stylist, so I always experienced fashion in a serious way. I try to see the world in creative ways and question meaning.

I’ve always loved sneakers. Before fashion, my dream was to become an architect and interior designer. Thanks to AI one evening, I was able to mix both these passions. I like to play with elements that are easy to recognise and at the same time, transform their nature. I start by mixing elements of iconic sneakers and designs like the Eames Chair, architectural styles like brutalism, and the styles of Zaha Hadid, Mies Van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright. If Le Corbusier designed houses on a human scale, I tried to imagine (without taking myself too seriously) houses and furnishings on a ‘hype’ scale.

Many people have asked me how much the sofas and armchairs cost and if they can buy them. There’s obviously an empty space between sneakers, design and fashion ready to be filled. Wearing a shoe has meaning – so why not make your home ‘wear’ them too?

AI is a wonderful tool. It gives me the possibility to create things in my head without wasting time. Ten years ago, I would’ve spent afternoons or days mixing shoes and furniture. It’s not the final solution and I don’t think AI will ever replace people, but it’s definitely something that creatives are very comfortable with. It’s a fantastic thing for someone like me who is always viewing the world in a crazy way. I’m always looking for new ways to be amazed.'

Rick Dick

'I live in Tuscany and work as a graphic designer in the advertising industry. My biggest passions are art and fashion. I spend most of my time studying their various aspects and creating artwork related to them.

About six months ago, I stumbled upon an article about AI and it immediately piqued my interest. Since then, I've been exploring this fascinating world and experimenting with various tools, including DALL-E, and I've been able to create some amazing works. It's been an exciting journey so far and I can't wait to see where it takes me next.

My process for creating AI-generated images usually starts with something real and current, like a fashion show or the release of a new piece of clothing. From there, I begin to experiment with different commands to achieve the result I have in mind, often trying to give it new meaning by adding irony or analysing the content. Throughout my art, I try to share my perspective on the latest trends and the impact of the industry on society as a whole. I believe that art can be a powerful tool for expressing ideas and sparking conversations.

We are at the beginning of a new era for the realisation of art and design ideas, and AI is playing a significant role in this transformation. With AI, we can explore new creative avenues and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of art and design.'